Labour MPs Talk When, Not If Starmer Quits, But No Replacement Ready

Labour MPs are privately discussing when Prime Minister Keir Starmer will resign, not if he will step down. But party sources say a leadership contest is unlikely because no clear replacement candidate has emerged to challenge him.

Starmer has become increasingly unpopular within his own party as political problems mount. One significant moment came when Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, called on Starmer to quit, though the challenge went nowhere.

Despite the growing discontent, Labour MPs appear reluctant to force out their leader. Many worry about following the Conservative Party's path of repeatedly removing prime ministers, which created chaos and hurt that party's reputation with voters.

The situation has created a political stalemate. While many Labour MPs feel Starmer's departure may be inevitable, they're not ready to act without a clear successor waiting in the wings.

Recent tensions have also emerged over Downing Street's handling of civil service appointments, with top officials criticizing the government's approach to vetting processes.